Young people from around the world are invited to enter the 2013 Goi Peace Foundation – UNESCO International Essay Contest for Young People.

The theme for this year’s contest is: "THE POWER OF CULTURE TO CREATE A BETTER FUTURE."

Every part of the world has its own culture. Culture includes the arts, traditions and customs of a country or region, as well as the wisdom, values, lifestyles and trends of the people living there. In order to build a peaceful world, we need to acknowledge and respect each other’s cultures. What aspects of the culture in your country or region do you take pride in? How can youth make the most of them to create a better future?

– Organized by The Goi Peace Foundation and UNESCO
– Endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan; Japanese National Commission for UNESCO; Japan Private High School Federation; Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education; Japan Broadcasting Corporation; Nikkei Inc.

– Supported by Felissimo Corporation

*** THEME:

"THE POWER OF CULTURE TO CREATE A BETTER FUTURE"
Every part of the world has its own culture. Culture includes the arts, traditions and customs of a country or region, as well as the wisdom, values, lifestyles and trends of the people living there. In order to build a peaceful world, we need to acknowledge and respect each other’s cultures. What aspects of the culture in your country or region do you take pride in? How can youth make the most of them to create a better future?

*** GUIDELINES:

1. Essays may be submitted by anyone up to 25 years old (as of June 30, 2013) in one of the following age categories:
a) Children (ages up to 14) b) Youth (ages 15 – 25)
2. Essays must be 700 words or less in English, French, Spanish or German; or 1600 characters or less in Japanese, typed or printed.

Teachers and youth directors may submit a collection of essays from their class or group. Please enclose a list of participants’ names and the name and contact information of the submitting teacher or director.
(Entries missing any of the above information will not be considered.)

4. Entries may be submitted by postal mail or online.
(IMPORTANT: To send your essay online, you must go to the online registration page at www.goipeace.or.jp and follow the required steps.)

5. Essays must be original and unpublished.
6. Essays must be written by one person. Co-authored essays are not accepted.
7. Copyright of the essays entered will be assigned to the organizers.

*** DEADLINE: Entries must be received by JUNE 30, 2013.

*** AWARDS: The following awards will be given in the Children’s category and Youth category respectively:
1st Prize: Certificate and prize of 100,000 Yen (approx. US$1,140 as of January 2013) … 1 entrant